Excitement, enthusiasm greet the Jackson-based 303rd Military Police Company as it returns from Afghanistan

JACKSON, MI, -- Tears, laughter and joy came from the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Jackson Saturday as family and friends waited for their soldiers to come home.

An hour before the buses were due to arrive, friends and family members hugged one another, and some shed tears as they share both excitement and joy.

“I couldn’t wish that this day came quick enough,” said Randy Williams, of Ft. Wayne, Ind. Williams was waiting for his son Sgt. Justin Williams, 23, to arrive. “Other friends, family came up from Ft. Wayne to welcome him home.”

Many felt blessed to have their son, daughter, boyfriend, girlfiend, fiancé, husband, wife, father and mother returning home.

“You don’t realize how much you want this day to come,” said Cassie Martin, fiancée to Sgt. John Dover, from Bridgman in Berrien County. “You realize you want this more than you did the minute before. You feel joy, blessed and happiness.”

Dover’s mother, Andrea Dover, said she is happy her son is home, and that he will be able to celebrate his 27th birthday at home.

“He gets to spend his birthday with his family and friends,” said Andrea Dover. “He spent his 21st birthday in a guard shack in Iraq.”